Security Throughout the Ages

Warning: The following post may contain some sweeping generalizations.

Let’s take a journey through history. We’ll start at the beginning of time.

Prehistoric security

Prehistoric women chose their mates based on physical traits. A strong brow line along with physical strength was desirable. By mating with strong males, women were increasing the odds that their children would be strong, as well. In those days, physical capabilities had a direct correlation to life expectancy. Sexual reproduction and choices were the road to security for your offspring.

The Development of Monogamy

Somewhere along the line, women in a sector of our species dictated monogamy. (Many cultures don’t engage in this practice to this day.) They did so by picking males that may not have been as physically imposing, but would reliably provide for them and their children long-term. This created new long-term relationships with a single mate and a new process for selection of mates in reproduction. A new road to security was paved.

Show Me the Money

Around 5000 BCE, money was introduced to our economies. A new form of providing was born. Hunting, gathering and crafting wasn’t something everyone had to do. Bartering was slowly defenestrated. With the right amount of money, you could buy any good or service you needed. Physical abilities and long-term commitments weren’t the primary reason to choose a mate anymore. How much cash you had became the way you provided, and while that usually came along with a long-term relationship, the money was what got the woman in the door. Because the money meant security for her and her children.

Economic Equality

Fast forward a few thousand years to America in the early 20th century. Women demanded their right to vote as equal citizens for men. The nineteenth amendment opened the door for women to work when many of the men went off to fight World War II. While some went home after the boys returned, some stayed. Some demanded their right to work.

To this day, women fight to gain equal pay to men. We don’t need men to guarantee our security anymore. If we have the drive, we can earn the security-rendering cash ourselves. Or even contribute equally with the men we choose to mate with, for whatever reason we choose to mate. We have that freedom now. To choose whatever reason.

Feminism & Financial Literacy

To me, feminism isn’t about denying everything it is that makes me feminine. It’s about embracing the feminine aspects of myself, and recognizing that although I am feminine, that does not make me inferior to men. It’s about getting the world to recognize those same things.

As a woman–and as so many other women before me–security is of the utmost importance. I want to know I’ll be okay ten years down the road and that my children will be provided for. I am so lucky to live in a time when I have so many opportunities to do that for myself without having to rely on a male partner.

Because so many fought before me, I have the right and ability to get educated about my finances. I have to ability to improve them without dependency on a man. Because they fought, and because I have that ability, I have the responsibility to exercise it.

Financial literacy is important to me because it’s the modern road to security, and unlike many of my female predecessors, it enables me to ensure that security independently should I so choose.

That’s the beauty of it; even marriage doesn’t guarantee security in our age of divorce. Or even if he manages his finances poorly (which I know is the exact opposite of the case in your situation,) you’re not doomed to a life of destitution.

I am a little scared because I am a man, but I think you are right on this one. You get to make choices that will affect your future. You don’t have to rely on anyone, but yourself to live strong. You can control your money and do what you want with it. Nice article.

“Financial literacy is important to me because it’s the modern road to security, and unlike many of my female predecessors, it enables me to ensure that security independently should I so choose.” You hit the nail on the head with this. I think it’s vital that everyone is financially literate, at least in the basics, so they do not have to rely on anyone but can provide for themselves by making their money work for them.

I love this!! Yes, we owe it to our predecessors who got us to this point to be able make choices and create security for ourselves. If you truly want to be independent, you need to be financially literate. Great post! Thank YOU for participating in the carnival. I appreciate our support!

Usually, when I read PF blog posts I feel like a bit of an outsider. I’m young (23), single and have no dependents. Lots of bloggers focus on financial literacy being important because of their spouses or children, and rightly so. But it’s really great to read a post about financial literacy being important for personal security too. I agree with you 100%. I love that I don’t have to rely on anyone, not even my parents, for my financial independence. Financial literacy is incredibly empowering.

Amen! And thank you. I do write about my fiance and kids on here, but I try to keep it pretty balanced. PF is important for everyone, and if you can’t look out for yourself you’re not going to be able to take care of anyone else, now or in the future.

I believe we all have decisions now to take control of our own lives and our own destiny when it comes to personal finance. As we evolved those changes have allowed women to stand up for what they believe and although the struggle for equality still exists women have a louder voice than ever before. Well written. Mr.CBB

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DISCLAIMER

This blog is written for entertainment purposes only. I am not a financial professional in any way shape or form. The information that is found here are my opinions and the opinions of other readers and should not be taken as financial advice. I try to only post about things I think will be helpful to my readers and have experience with, but anything that happens as a result of you using the information provided is your responsibility alone.